The Riyadh season, a prestigious series of sporting events, is set to kick off with an epic showdown in the boxing world. This highly anticipated affair will feature an exciting showdown between teams from two renowned boxing promotions, Matchroom and Queensberry. The stage is set for a night of electrifying action as the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosts this monumental occasion.
There is no doubt that the light heavyweight title fight between reigning WBA and WBO champion Dmitry Bivol and undefeated challenger Malik Zinad will be electrifying and exciting from start to finish. In this highly anticipated fight, the 33-year-old Russian will put his belt on the line against the 30-year-old Libyan in a battle of unbeatability.
Bivol has reigned as WBA champion since 2016, making eight successful defenses during his impressive career. His resume boasts victories over elite opponents such as Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Jean Pascal, and Gilberto Ramirez.
For Zinad, this title opportunity represents the biggest fight of his burgeoning career. The 6′ 1″ Libyan has a perfect 22-0 record with 16 knockouts. Although relatively untested at the highest level, he knows that a career-defining win could catapult him to stardom in the 175-pound division.
When and Where?
Saturday, June 1, 2:00 pm ET at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ring Walks time:
TBA
Moneyline odds:
Dmitry Bivol 1.022
Malik Zinad 14.60
Where can I watch it?
DAZN and TNT Sports
Why Bet on Dmitry Bivol?
Dmitry Bivol has established himself as one of the most dominant light heavyweight champions in recent years.The 33-year-old Russian has held the WBA light heavyweight (Super) title since 2016, successfully defending it eight times against a host of skilled opponents.
Bivol’s reign has been marked by a string of impressive victories over top contenders. His most notable triumph came in May 2022 when he handed Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, one of boxing’s biggest stars, the second defeat of his professional career via unanimous decision.
Before the Canelo fight, he had wins over former champions Jean Pascal and Sullivan Barrera, as well as undefeated contenders Joe Smith Jr. and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.His well-rounded skill set, along with his6’0” frame and 72-inch reach, have made him a nightmare for his opponents.
With a record of 22-0 (11 KOs), the Russian has firmly established himself as one of the elite fighters in the light heavyweight division.
Why Bet on Malik Zinad?
At 30 years old, Malik Zinad is on the cusp of boxing greatness. The Libyan fighter has steadily climbed the ranks, amassing an impressive 22-0 record with 16 KOs. His path to this crucial title shot against Dmitry Bivol has been one of perseverance and unwavering determination.
Born in Tripoli, he discovered his passion for boxing at a young age, honing his skills in local gyms and amateur competitions. His natural talent and ferocious punching power quickly caught the attention of trainers and promoters, paving the way for his professional debut in 2014.
Since then, Zinad has methodically worked his way up through the light heavyweight division, dispatching opponent after opponent. His relentless pressure and aggressive style have made him a fan favorite, and each victory took him closer to the ultimate prize: a world title shot.
Now, as he steps into the ring against the formidable Dmitry Bivol, he faces the biggest challenge of his career. While Bivol’s pedigree and championship experience make him the clear favorite, Zinad’s youth, power, and hunger for glory could prove to be the X-factor.
Final Betting Analysis: Dmitry Bivol vs. Malik Zinad
The betting odds reflect Bivol’s impressive resume and undefeated record. The Russian champion has already proven himself against elite competition, notably defeating Canelo Alvarez two years ago pulling off a major upset. Bivol’s technical skills, IQ in the ring, and punching power make him a formidable force at 175 pounds.
However, Zinad should not be counted out. The undefeated Libyan challenger has a significant height and reach advantage over Bivol. If he can use his length effectively, he could potentially cause Bivol some problems.
Most expert predictions are leaning toward a Bivol victory, probably by decision if Zinad can go the distance. Ultimately, we agree with the bookmakers on this one.
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